ADHD: Myths and Parental Guides

by Linda Hansen | More from this Blogger

02 Jan 2007 09:00 AM

In the ongoing process of understanding ADHD and it's effects on our children, I have encountered much opinion and fact. Discerning the two can be a real dilemma. Because there is so much conflicting information out there, it can be a challenge to decide what is legitimate. Factoring in personal experience with two ADHD boys, valid medical data, psychiatric and therapy consultations, assorted opinions of experts in the field, and personal experiences documented by parents of ADHD kids, I have compiled a list of some of the myths and parental guides I believe to be accurate.

FIVE ADHD MYTHS:

1. Poor Parenting Skills. ADHD is a neurological disorder and has nothing to do with a parent's abilities. However, loving and solid parenting is crucial to a child's security and a well established behavioral maintenance program.

2. Excessive Use of Television and Video Games. This is a symptom, not a cause. Legitimate studies have shown ADHD children crave the fast pace and action displayed on tv and in video games.

3. Medication is a cure for ADHD. Prescription meds are a tool for your child to help control symptoms and is in no way a cure; to date there is no cure for ADHD.

4. ADHD is a Diagnosis Frequently Given to "Difficult Children".Although there are no medical tests available to diagnose this disorder, rigorous guidelines are followed to detect symptoms that point to a valid diagnosis.

5. All ADHD Kids are HyperActive. There is a wide spectrum of behaviors within the ADHD symptoms. Some children will display erratic and hyper behavior, while others will be preoccupied and inattentive.

FIVE ADHD PARENTAL GUIDES:

1. Schedules and Routines are Important. ADHD children thrive on stable daily habits. A daily agenda gives them a secure inner peace.

2. Discipline with Reasoning. Any child deserves to understand why they are being admonished and what they have done to provoke it. It is mandatory with an ADHD child to carefully explain "why". Confusing thought process is a part of the disorder and the child needs an explanation and understanding for the reason behind the discipline.

3. Building Self Esteem. All children need high self esteem. It is especially important in the ADHD child. Because of the multitude of symptoms including learning disabilities, short attention span, and impulse disorder, they feel inferior in many ways other kids do not. It is a daily job to reinforce the child's worth by making him aware of his outstanding traits and capabilities.

4. Consistancy. At first glance this would seem repetitive of fact number one, schedules and routines. Looking further into it, consistency applies to every aspect of a child's life. Most importantly, his home and school life. All rules set in place should remain there and followed through explicitly. To reprimand an ADHD child one time for an infraction and ignore it the next time it occurs, sends confusing and negative signals to an already perplexed mind.

5. A Clear Understanding of What is Expected. Not only is it important for the child to know what our parenting behavior will entail in any given situation (this builds trust), it is mandatory that he is clear on the expectations placed on his behavior. If he is capable of making a B in English, washing the dinner dishes, and choosing his own school clothes for the next day, he should be expected to complete these tasks regularly.

Learn more about Linda Hansen

Linda Hansen is a retired restaurant manager and stay at home mom.

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Fatherofeight (2475) 02 Jan 2007 09:17 AM

Good stuff, Art. Our Walter has been diagnosed ADHD, but we have our doubts. Everything that we can access in the way of information seems to always be slanted. I have to ask, what is this author selling? I wish I could find straightforward information. Walter does fine academically. He can pay attention. The impusive stuff is the main problem.

Linda Hansen (1796) 02 Jan 2007 09:45 AM

I understand, Ed. Randy was diagnosed severe ADHD with a big accent on hyperactivity. After 2 yrs of love and consistency in his family life, I see a dramatic reduction in his negative behaviors. Even the impulse issue has diminished considerably. Meds help, but I think the primary reason for such a drastic change for the better was alleviating the dysfunction and confusion in his life. Let me stress this is not a cure all for every ADHD child. Many already have a stable and loving homelife. I do feel some of the symptoms can be alleviated in a stressed child's life with love and a consistent routine. The impulse disorder we work on with an example of cause and effect. What if Randy? giving him a scenario and asking him what he would do if.....Art

Nicole Humphrey (15757) 02 Jan 2007 10:15 AM

Linda great article dispelling the myths! I have spent years teaching this very thing to parents who don't understand ADHD at all, and find myths to be the "reason" for an ADHD child. Excellent parental strategies recommended! Thanks for a great article!

Linda Hansen (1796) 02 Jan 2007 10:20 AM

Thanks Nicole!

Melissa J (13710) 02 Jan 2007 12:48 PM

Linda, what a fantastic article!

rsbg (501) 02 Jan 2007 05:05 PM

Great job!!!!!!!!!!!

stampkrl (257) 03 Jan 2007 05:50 PM

Great article. It sure hits close to home for me. 14 year old bio son was diagnosed at the age of two. It has taken a lot creative parenting to find strategies that work for him.